Confirmation of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Identity

According to Russian investigators, genetic tests have definitively confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was among the 10 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash last Wednesday.

Previous Disclosure of Victims’ Names

Russia’s aviation agency had previously released the names of all 10 people who were on board the private jet that crashed in the Tver region, located northwest of Moscow. The list included Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, Prigozhin’s right-hand man and co-founder of the Wagner group.

Findings of Genetic Examinations

In a statement published on the Telegram messaging app, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced the completion of molecular-genetic examinations as part of the plane crash investigation. The committee confirmed that the identities of all 10 deceased individuals have been established and match the names listed on the flight sheet.

Timing of the Crash

The private jet crashed exactly two months after Prigozhin led an unsuccessful mutiny against Russia’s top military officials. President Vladimir Putin initially denounced the mutiny as a treacherous act, but later met with Prigozhin at the Kremlin. On Thursday, Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the crash victims as reported by the aviation agency.